Universal radio frequency router with an automatic gain control

ABSTRACT

Various embodiments are described herein for a radio frequency (RF) signal router. In one example embodiment, the RF router comprises a controller, an input stage, an intermediate stage and an output stage. The input stage includes RF input terminals, pre-processing circuit and input processors, where each RF input terminal receives an incoming RF signal, each pre-processing circuit processes the incoming RF signal based on its power level, and each input processor adjusts a power level of an input RF signal based on a first controller signal to generate a processed input RF signal. The intermediate stage comprises intermediate switch matrices coupled to a controller and input processors, and configured to route intermediate RF signals. The output stage comprises output processors coupled to the controller, where each output processor is configured to adjust a power level of an output RF signal based on a second controller signal and generate a processed output RF signal, and where the second controller signal corresponds to the first controller signal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/212,773 filed on Dec. 7, 2018, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/651,787 filed Apr. 3, 2018, and U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/596,291 filed Dec. 8, 2017, thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The described embodiments relate to systems and methods for routingradio frequency (RF) signals, and in particular, to systems and methodsfor routing radio frequency signals using an automatic gain control(AGC) in a universal fan-in/fan-out router.

BACKGROUND

Conventional RF routers for routing RF signals may experience certaindisadvantages, such as signal distortions or blocking, especially whenthe RF signals being received are high power signals. There is a need toimprove such RF routing systems to reduce these disadvantages.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, in at least one embodiment described herein, there isprovided a radio frequency (RF) router comprising: a controller; aninput stage comprising: a plurality of RF input terminals, wherein eachRF input terminal is configured to receive an incoming RF signal; and aplurality of input processors coupled to the plurality of RF inputterminals and the controller, each input processor being configured toprocess an input RF signal to generate a processed input RF signal, andeach input processor being further configured to adjust a power level ofthe corresponding input RF signal based on a first signal from thecontroller; an intermediate stage comprising a plurality of intermediateswitch matrices coupled to the controller, each intermediate switchmatrix being coupled to the plurality of input processors, the pluralityof intermediate switch matrices being configured to route a plurality ofintermediate RF signals; and an output stage comprising: a plurality ofoutput processors coupled to the controller, each output processor beingconfigured to process an output RF signal and generate a processedoutput RF signal, and each output processor being further configured toadjust a power level of the corresponding output RF signal based on asecond signal from the controller, wherein the second signal correspondsto the first signal.

In some embodiments, the input stage further comprises a plurality ofsplitters coupled the plurality of input processors, each splitter beingcoupled between a corresponding input processor and at least twointermediate switch matrices, and configured to split the correspondingprocessed input RF signal into two or more intermediate RF signals.

In some other embodiments, the input stage further comprises a pluralityof splitters, each splitter being coupled between a corresponding RFinput terminal and at least two of the plurality of input processors,the splitter being configured to split the incoming RF signal receivedat the corresponding RF input terminal into two or more input RFsignals.

In some embodiments, the output stage further comprise a plurality ofcombiners coupled between the plurality of output processors and aplurality of RF output terminals, each combiner being configured tocombine two or more processed output RF signals to generate an outgoingRF signal.

In some other embodiments, the output stage further comprises aplurality of selectors coupled between the plurality of outputprocessors and a plurality of RF output terminals, each selector beingconfigured to select a processed output RF signals to generate anoutgoing RF signal.

In some further embodiments, the output stage further comprises aplurality of selectors coupled between the plurality of intermediateswitch matrices and the plurality of output processors, each selectorbeing configured to select an intermediate RF signal to generate anoutput RF signal.

In some embodiments, the input processor is configured to adjust thepower level of the corresponding input RF signal by amplifying the inputRF signal to a system power level.

In some embodiments, if the input processor is configured to amplify theinput RF signal to a system power level, the output processor isconfigured to amplify the output RF signal to an output power level,wherein the amplification of the output RF signal compensates for theamplification of the input RF signal.

In some embodiments, the power level adjustment of the output RF signalbased on the second signal is the inverse of the power level adjustmentof the input RF signal based on the first signal.

In some embodiments, the second signal is partially based on the firstsignal. In such embodiments, the second signal is configured tocompensate for the input stage processing as well as further processingof the signal to increase or decrease its power level.

In another aspect, in at least one embodiments described herein, thereis provided a radio frequency (RF) router comprising: a controller; aninput stage comprising: a plurality of RF input terminals, wherein eachRF input terminal is configured to receive an input RF signal; aplurality of input processors coupled to the controller, each inputprocessor being coupled to a unique RF input terminal, and each inputprocessor being configured to process the input RF signal received atthe corresponding RF input terminal to generate a processed input RFsignal, wherein each input processor is configured to adjust a powerlevel of the corresponding input RF signal based on a first signal fromthe controller; and a plurality of splitters coupled the plurality ofinput processors, each splitter being coupled to a unique inputprocessor, and configured to split the corresponding processed input RFsignal into two or more intermediate RF signals; an intermediate stagecomprising a plurality of intermediate switch matrices coupled to thecontroller, each intermediate switch matrix being coupled to theplurality of splitters, the plurality of intermediate switch matricesbeing configured to route a plurality of intermediate RF signals; and anoutput stage comprising: a plurality of output processors coupled to thecontroller, each output processor being configured to process anintermediate RF signal and generate a processed output RF signal whereineach output processor is configured to adjust a power level of thecorresponding intermediate RF signal based on a second signal from thecontroller, wherein the second signal corresponds to the first signal;and a plurality of combiners coupled to the plurality of outputprocessors and configured to combine two or more processed output RFsignals to generate an output RF signal.

In some embodiments, the input processor is configured to adjust thepower level of the corresponding input RF signal by amplifying the inputRF signal to a system power level.

In some embodiments, if the input processor is configured to amplify theinput RF signal by a gain level, the output processor is configured toadjust the power level of the corresponding intermediate RF signal byattenuating the intermediate RF signal by an attenuation levelcorresponding to the gain level.

In some embodiments, if the input processor is configured to amplify theinput RF signal to a system power level, the output processor isconfigured to amplify the output RF signal to an output power level,wherein the amplification of the output RF signal compensates for theamplification of the input RF signal.

In some embodiments, the power level adjustment of the output RF signalbased on the second signal is inverse of the power level adjustment ofthe output RF signal based on the second signal.

In another aspect, in at least one embodiment described herein, there isprovided a radio frequency (RF) router comprising: a controller; aninput stage comprising: a plurality of RF input terminals, wherein eachRF input terminal is configured to receive an input RF signal, andwherein the input stage further comprises: a plurality of splitters,each splitter being uniquely coupled to a RF input terminal, thesplitter being configured to split the input RF signal received at thecorresponding RF input terminal into two or more intermediate RFsignals; and a plurality of input processors coupled to the controller,each input processor being configured to receive an intermedia RF signaland process the intermediate RF signal to generate a correspondingprocessed RF signal, wherein each input processor is configured toadjust a power level of the corresponding input RF signal based on afirst signal from the controller; an intermedia stage comprising aplurality of intermedia switch matrices coupled to the controller, eachswitch matrix coupled to receive a plurality of processed RF signalsfrom the plurality of input processors, and route the processed RFsignals; and an output stage comprising: a plurality of outputprocessors coupled to the controller, each output processor beingconfigured to receive a processed RF signal and further process theprocessed RF signal to generate a corresponding processed output RFsignal, wherein each output processor is configured to adjust a powerlevel of the corresponding intermediate RF signal based on a secondsignal from the controller, wherein the second signal corresponds to thefirst signal; and a plurality of combiners coupled to the plurality ofoutput processors and configured to combine two or more processed outputRF signals to generate an output RF signal.

In some embodiments, the input processor is configured to adjust thepower level of the corresponding input RF signal by amplifying the inputRF signal to a system power level.

In some embodiments, if the input processor is configured to amplify theinput RF signal to a system power level, the output processor isconfigured to amplify the output RF signal to an output power level,wherein the amplification of the output RF signal compensates for theamplification of the input RF signal.

In some embodiments, the power level adjustment of the output RF signalbased on the second signal is inverse of the power level adjustment ofthe output RF signal based on the second signal.

In some embodiments, the second signal is partially based on the firstsignal. In such embodiments, the second signal is configured tocompensate for the input stage processing as well as further processingof the signal to increase or decrease its power level.

Other features and advantages of the present application will becomeapparent from the following detailed description taken together with theaccompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that thedetailed description and the specific examples, while indicatingpreferred embodiments of the application, are given by way ofillustration only, since various changes and modifications within thespirit and scope of the application will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art from the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the various embodiments described herein,and to show more clearly how these various embodiments may be carriedinto effect, reference will be made, by way of example, to theaccompanying drawings which show at least one example embodiment and thefigures will now be briefly described.

FIG. 1 is an example of a block diagram of a RF routing system;

FIG. 2A is an example of a block diagram of a RF routing system usingsplitters;

FIG. 2B is another example of a block diagram of a RF routing systemusing splitters;

FIG. 2C is a further example of a block diagram of a RF routing systemusing splitters;

FIG. 2D is another example of a block diagram of a RF routing systemusing splitters;

FIG. 3A is an example of a block diagram of a RF routing system usingcombiners;

FIG. 3B is another example of a block diagram of a RF routing systemusing combiners;

FIG. 4A is an example of a block diagram of a RF routing system with alarger dimension;

FIG. 4B is another example of a block diagram of a RF routing systemwith a larger dimension;

FIG. 5A is an example of a block diagram of a RF routing system with apre-processing circuit;

FIG. 5B is another example of a block diagram of a RF routing systemwith a pre-processing circuit; and

FIG. 6 is a further example of a block diagram of a RF routing systemwith a pre-processing circuit.

The skilled person in the art will understand that the drawings,described below, are for illustration purposes only. The drawings arenot intended to limit the scope of the applicants' teachings in anyway.Also, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity ofillustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily beendrawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements maybe exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, whereconsidered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among thefigures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

Various apparatuses or processes will be described below to provide anexample of at least one embodiment of the claimed subject matter. Noembodiment described below limits any claimed subject matter and anyclaimed subject matter may cover processes, apparatuses, devices orsystems that differ from those described below. The claimed subjectmatter is not limited to apparatuses, devices, systems or processeshaving all of the features of any one apparatus, device, system orprocess described below or to features common to multiple or all of theapparatuses, devices, systems or processes described below. It ispossible that an apparatus, device, system or process described below isnot an embodiment of any claimed subject matter. Any subject matter thatis disclosed in an apparatus, device, system or process described belowthat is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter ofanother protective instrument, for example, a continuing patentapplication, and the applicants, inventors or owners do not intend toabandon, disclaim or dedicate to the public any such subject matter byits disclosure in this document.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity ofillustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may berepeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogouselements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in orderto provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiments describedherein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in theart that the example embodiments described herein may be practicedwithout these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods,procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not toobscure the example embodiments described herein. Also, the descriptionis not to be considered as limiting the scope of the example embodimentsdescribed herein.

It should also be noted that the terms “coupled” or “coupling” as usedherein can have several different meanings depending in the context inwhich the term is used. For example, as used herein, the terms the terms“coupled” or “coupling” can indicates that two elements or devices canbe directly coupled to one another or indirectly coupled to one anotherthrough one or more intermediate elements or devices via an electricalelement, electrical signal or a mechanical element such as but notlimited to, a wire or cable, for example, depending on the particularcontext.

It should be noted that terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about”and “approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviationof the modified term such that the end result is not significantlychanged. These terms of degree should be construed as including adeviation of the modified term if this deviation would not negate themeaning of the term it modifies.

Furthermore, the recitation of any numerical ranges by endpoints hereinincludes all numbers and fractions subsumed within that range (e.g. 1 to5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.90, 4, and 5). It is also to beunderstood that all numbers and fractions thereof are presumed to bemodified by the term “about” which means a variation up to a certainamount of the number to which reference is being made if the end resultis not significantly changed.

The various embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to systems andmethods for routing radio frequency (RF) signals. In particular, thevarious embodiments described herein relate to systems and methods forrouting radio frequency signals using an automatic gain control (AGC).

Reference is first made to FIG. 1 , which illustrates a RF signalrouting system 100 according to an example embodiment. System 100includes an input terminal 102, an input stage processor 105, a routingmodule 110, an output stage processor 115, a controller 120, and anoutput terminal 112. As illustrated, the input terminal 102 is coupledto the input stage processor 105, which is coupled to the routing module110. The routing module 110 is coupled to the output stage processor115, which is coupled to the output terminal 112. The controller iscoupled to the input stage processor 105, the routing module 110 and theoutput stage processor 115. In one example, the RF signal routing system100 is configured to manage and route signals within a satellitecommunication facility. Such signals may include L-band frequencies,intermediate frequencies (IF), and other RF signals that are used totransmit data.

In the illustrated embodiment, the RF signal routing system 100 isconfigured to receive, process and route multiple RF signals. Theincoming RF signals that are received by the RF signal routing system100 may span over a wide power range. In some cases, such incoming RFsignals routed through conventional RF routers undergo signaldistortions and high noise levels, such as signal clipping, or signallevels close to the noise floor, etc. The various embodiments describedherein relate to techniques that improve the input range and RFperformances of the incoming signals by adjusting the power levels ofthe incoming RF signals, and compensating for the adjustments of theincoming RF signals at the output stage, as described in detail below.

In the illustrated embodiment, the input stage processor 105 isconfigured to receive one or more input RF signals. For ease ofexplanation, only one input RF signal 150 is illustrated and discussedbelow. However, the same teachings apply to more than one input RFsignals.

In the illustrated embodiment, the input stage processor 105 isconfigured to receive and process the input RF signal 150 to generate aprocessed RF signal 155.

In the illustrated embodiment, the input stage processor 105 includes anautomatic gain control (or AGC) module, and processes the input RFsignal 150 by adjusting the power level of the input RF signal 150. Theinput stage processor 105 is configured to provide a constant powerlevel for the input RF signals being received by the system 100.

In some embodiments, the input stage processor 105 is configured toadjust the power level of the input RF signal 150 to a pre-determinedpower level. In some other cases, the input stage processor 105 isconfigured to adjust the power level of the input RF signal 150 to aselected power level provided by a controller 120.

The processed input RF signal 155, generated by the input stageprocessor 105, is received by the routing module 110. The routing module110 is configured to route one or more processed input RF signals, suchas processed input RF signal 155, between one or more input switchterminals and one or more output switch terminals, and provide routed RFsignals, such as routed RF signal 160, at the output switch terminals.

The output stage processor 115 is configured to receive the routed RFsignal 160 from the routing module 110 and process the received signalto generate an output RF signal 165. The output stage processor 115 isconfigured to process the routed RF signal 160 to adjust its power levelbased on a target power level provided by the controller 120.

In some embodiments, the output stage processor 115 includes an inverseAGC module configured to compensate for the power level adjustmentcarried out by the input stage processor 105. For example, the powerlevel adjustment carried out by the output stage processor 115 is theinverse of the power level adjustment carried out by the correspondinginput stage processor 105. In such embodiments, the target power levelsignal provided by the controller 120 takes into account the processingcarried out by the input stage processor 105.

In some other embodiments, the target power level signal provided by thecontroller 120 takes into account both the processing carried out by theinput stage processor 105 as well as any additional increase or decreasein the power level of the routed RF signal 160, as may be instructed byan operator or determined by the controller 120 based on the applicationof the RF signal routing system 100, or based on other factors. In suchembodiments, the routed RF signal 160 is processed by the output stageprocessor 105 based on the target power level provided by the controller120 to generate a processed RF signal 160.

System 100 may provide the advantage of increasing performance forcomplex multistage RF systems. In system 100, the input range and RFperformances may be improved if the power level of the signals travelingthrough the system is kept at a pre-determined level or range to avoidclipping or going too close to the noise floor.

Reference is next made to FIGS. 2A-2D, each of which illustrate a uniqueconfiguration of an RF signal routing system, such as the RF signalrouting system 100. The various embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2Dinclude the same components, such as splitters 225, input stageprocessors 205, routing modules 210, selectors 230 and output stageprocessors 215, but are unique based on the unique configuration andcoupling of the various components, as discussed in detail below.

FIG. 2A illustrates an RF signal routing system 200A according to oneexample. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, RF signal routing system 200Acomprises input terminals 220, splitters 225, input stage processors205, routing switches 210, selectors 230, output stage processors 215and output terminals 235 coupled in that order. In particular, in theexample embodiment of FIG. 2A, a first input terminal 220 a is coupledto a first splitter 225 a, and a second input terminal 220 b is coupledto a second splitter 225 b. The first splitter 225 a is coupled to afirst input stage processor 205 a and a second input stage processor 205b. The second splitter 225 b is coupled to third input stage processor205 c and a fourth input stage processor 205 d. The first input stageprocessor 205 a and the second input stage processor 205 b are coupledto a first selector 230 a via a first routing switch 210 a. The thirdinput stage processor 205 c and the fourth input stage processor 205 dare coupled to a second selector 230 b via a second routing switch 210b. The first selector 230 is coupled to a first output stage processor215 a, and the second selector 230 is coupled to a second output stageprocessor 215 b. The first output stage processor 215 a is coupled to afirst output terminal 235 a, and the second output stage processor 215 bis coupled to a second output terminal 235 b.

Reference is next made to FIG. 2B, which illustrates an RF signalrouting system 200B according to another example. As illustrated in FIG.2B, RF signal routing system 200B comprises input terminals 220, inputstage processors 205, splitters 225, routing switches 210, selectors230, output stage processors 215 and output terminals 235 coupled inthat order. In particular, in the example embodiment of FIG. 2B, a firstinput terminal 220 a is coupled to a first input stage processor 205 a,and a second input terminal 220 b is coupled to a second input stageprocessor 205 b. The first input stage processor 205 a is coupled to afirst splitter 225 a, and the second input stage processor 205 b iscoupled to a second splitter 225 b. The first splitter 225 a is coupledto a first selector 230 a via a first routing switch 210 a, and thesecond splitter 225 b is coupled to a second selector 230 b via a secondrouting switch 210 b. The first selector 230 a is coupled to a firstoutput stage processor 215 a, and the second selector 230 b is coupledto a second output stage processor 215 b. The first output stageprocessor 215 a is coupled to a first output terminal 235 a, and thesecond output stage processor 215 b is coupled to a second outputterminal 235 b.

Reference is next made to FIG. 2C, which illustrates an RF signalrouting system 200C according to a further example. As illustrated inFIG. 2C, RF signal routing system 200C comprises input terminals 220,splitters 225, input stage processors 205, routing switches 210, outputstage processors 215, selectors 230 and output terminals 235 coupled inthat order. In particular, in the example embodiment of FIG. 2C, a firstinput terminal 220 a is coupled to a first splitter 225 a, and a secondinput terminal 220 b is coupled to a second splitter 225 b. The firstsplitter 225 a is coupled to a first input stage processor 205 a and asecond input stage processor 205 b. The second splitter 225 b is coupledto a third input stage processor 205 c and a fourth input stageprocessor 205 d. The first and second input stage processors 205 a, 205b are coupled to the first and second output stage processors 215 a, 215b, respectively, via a first routing switch 210 a. The third and fourthinput stage processors 205 c, 205 d are coupled to third and fourthoutput stage processors 215 c, 215 d, respectively, via a second routingswitch 210 b. The first and second output stage processors 215 a, 215 bare coupled to a first selector 230 a, which is coupled to a firstoutput terminal 235 a. The third and fourth output stage processors 215c, 215 d are coupled to a second selector 230 b, which is coupled to asecond output terminal 235 b.

Reference is next made to FIG. 2D, which illustrates an RF signalrouting system 200D according to another example. As illustrated in FIG.2D, RF signal routing system 200D comprises input terminals 220, inputstage processors 205, splitters 225, routing switches 210, output stageprocessors 215, selectors 230 and output terminals 235 coupled in thatorder. In particular, in the example embodiment of FIG. 2D, a firstinput terminal 220 a is coupled to a first input stage processor 205 a,and a second input terminal 220 b is coupled to a second input stageprocessor 205 b. The first input stage processor 205 a is coupled to afirst splitter 225 a, and the second input stage processor 205 b iscoupled to a second splitter 225 b. The first splitter 225 a is coupledto a first output stage processor 215 a and a second output stageprocessor 215 b via a first routing switch 210 a. The second splitter225 b is coupled to a third output stage processor 215 c and a fourthoutput stage processor 215 d via a second routing switch 210 b. Thefirst and second output stage processors 215 a, 215 b are coupled to afirst selector 230 a, which is coupled to a first output terminal 235 a.The third and fourth output stage processors 215 c, 215 d are coupled toa second selector 230 b, which is coupled to a second output terminal235 b.

The functionalities of the various embodiments illustrated in FIGS.2A-2D are discussed in detail below.

In the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 2A-2D, the first stage consistsof input terminals 220 that are configured to receive incoming RFsignals 250. The incoming RF signals 250 may be received from anantenna, from another router, or from any other source. The incoming RFsignals 250 are then forwarded to the next stage of the RF signalrouting system.

In the various embodiments illustrated herein, the second stage mayinclude splitters 225, such as in the case of FIGS. 2A and 2C, or inputstage processors 205, such as in the case of FIGS. 2B and 2D. Thesubsequent stage, or the third stage, may include input stage processor205, such as in the case of FIGS. 2A and 2C, or splitters 225, such asin the case of FIGS. 2B and 2D.

In some cases, the input stage processors 205 are configured to receiveincoming RF signals 250, such as in the case of FIG. 2B and FIG. 2D. Insome other cases, the input stage processors 205 are configured toreceive input RF signals 255 from splitters 225, such as in the case ofFIGS. 2A and 2C.

In various embodiments, the input stage processor 205 includes anautomatic gain control module configured to process the received signalsto adjust the power levels of the signals. The power levels of thereceived signals may be adjusted to a target power level provided by acontroller, such as the controller 120 of FIG. 1 . In some other cases,the power levels of the received signals may be adjusted to apre-determined power level programmed into the input stage processor205.

Splitters 225 are configured to receive an input signal and delivermultiple output signals corresponding to the input signal. The phase,amplitude and other characteristics of the multiple output signals areconfigured to be the same as the input signal in the various embodimentsillustrated herein. In the embodiments of FIGS. 2A and 2C, the splitters225 receive the incoming RF signals 250, and split the incoming RFsignals 250 into two output signals 255, each with the samecharacteristics as the incoming RF signal 250. In the embodiments ofFIGS. 2B and 2D, the splitters 225 receive processed signals 260 fromthe input stage processors 205, and split the processed signals 260 intooutput signals 255, each output signal having the same characteristicsas the processed signal 260 received by the splitter 225.

In the various embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2D, the fourth stageconsists of routing switches 210. The routing switches 210 areconfigured to route the signals received from splitters 225 or inputstage processors 205 to selectors 230 or output stage processors 215.For example, as illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 2A, the routingswitch 210 is configured to route signals 260 from input stageprocessors 205 to selectors 230. In FIG. 2B, the routing switch 210 isconfigured to route signals 255 from splitters 225 to selectors 230. InFIG. 2C, the routing switch 210 is configured to route signals 260 frominput stage processors 205 to output stage processors 215. In FIG. 2D,the routing switch 210 is configured to route signals 255 from splitters225 to output stage processors 215.

In various embodiments, the number of routing switches 210 in the RFsignal routing systems of FIGS. 2A-2D corresponds to the number of inputterminals in those RF signal routing systems. The routing switches 210in the RF signal routing systems of FIGS. 2A-2D are configured toprovide a non-blocking RF router that can be used as both Fan-in andFan-out routers. A full fan-in router is a router that facilitatesrouting of any one or more inputs to any one output. A full fan-outrouter is a router that facilitates routing of any one input to any oneor more outputs. In various embodiments, the RF signal routing systemsof FIGS. 2A-2D can be switched form a fan-in router to a fan-out router,or vice versa based on control signals from a controller, such as thecontroller 120 of FIG. 1 .

In some cases, the RF signal routing systems of FIGS. 2A-2D areconfigured to provide a 100% non-blocking router that completelyeliminates the possibility of blockage within the routing system. Insome other cases, the RF signal routing systems of FIGS. 2A-2D areconfigured to provide a non-blocking router that significantly reducesthe possibility of blockage within the routing system.

In the various embodiments illustrated herein, the fifth stage mayinclude selectors 230, such as in the case of FIGS. 2A and 2B, or outputstage processors 215, such as in the case of FIGS. 2C and 2D; and thesubsequent sixth stage may include output stage processors 215, such asin the case of FIGS. 2A and 2B, or selectors 230, such as in the case ofFIGS. 2C and 2D.

In some cases, the output stage processors 215 are configured to receiverouted RF signals 265, such as in the case of FIG. 2C and FIG. 2D. Insome other cases, the output stage processors 215 are configured toreceive selected RF signals 270 from selectors 230, such as in the caseof FIGS. 2A and 2B.

Each output stage processor 215 is configured to process the receive RFsignal to adjust its power level based on a target power level providedby a controller, such as the controller 120 of FIG. 1 .

In some embodiments, the target power level generated by the controlleris based on the power level adjustment carried out by the correspondinginput stage processor 205. In such embodiments, each output stageprocessor 215 includes an inverse AGC module configured to process thereceived signal to adjust the power level of the signal in order tocompensate for the power adjustment carried out by the correspondinginput stage processor 205.

In some other embodiments, the target power level generated by thecontroller is based on both the power level adjustment carried out bythe corresponding input stage processor 205 as well as any additionalincrease or decrease in the power level of the received RF signal as maybe determined by the controller.

Selectors 230 are configured to receive multiple input signals anddeliver an output signal selected from the multiple input signals. Thephase, amplitude and other characteristics of the output signal is thesame as the input signal selected by the selectors 230.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 2A and 2B, the selectors 230 receive therouted RF signals 265, and select an output signal 270 from the routedRF signals 265. In the embodiments of FIGS. 2C and 2D, the selectors 230receive processed RF signals 275 from the output stage processors 215,and select an output signal 270 from the processed RF signals 275.

In the various embodiments illustrated herein, the seventh stageconsists of output terminals 235. Output terminals 235 are configured toreceive an outgoing signal, such as signal 275 from output stageprocessors 215 in FIGS. 2A and 2B, and signal 270 from selectors 230 inFIGS. 2C and 2D. The signals received at the output terminals 235 areavailable for transmission to another router, an antenna or any otherdestination.

In some cases, the second and third stages can be referred to as aninput stage; the fourth stage can be referred to as an intermediatestage; and the fifth and sixth stages can be referred to as an outputstage.

Reference is next made to FIGS. 3A-3B, each of which illustrate a uniqueconfiguration of an RF signal routing system, such as the RF signalrouting system 100. The embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3Binclude the same components, such as splitters 325, input stageprocessors 305, routing modules 310, combiners 330 and output stageprocessors 315, but are unique based on the unique configuration andcoupling of the various components, as discussed in detail below.

FIG. 3A illustrates an RF signal routing system 300A according to oneexample. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, RF signal routing system 300Acomprises input terminals 320, splitters 325, input stage processors305, routing switches 310, output stage processors 315, combiners 330and output terminals 335 coupled in that order.

In particular, in the example embodiment of FIG. 3A, a first inputterminal 320 a is coupled to a first splitter 325 a, and a second inputterminal 320 b is coupled to a second splitter 325 b. The first splitter325 a is coupled to a first input stage processor 305 a and a secondinput stage processor 305 b. The second splitter 325 b is coupled to athird input stage processor 305 c and a fourth input stage processor 305d. The first and second input stage processors 305 a, 305 b are coupledto first and second output stage processors 315 a, 315 b, respectively,via a first routing switch 310 a. The third and fourth input stageprocessors 305 c, 305 d are coupled to third and fourth output stageprocessors 315 c, 315 d, respectively, via a second routing switch 310b. The first and second output stage processors 315 a, 315 b are coupledto a first combiner 330 a, which is coupled to a first output terminal335 a. The third and fourth output stage processors 315 c, 315 d arecoupled to a second combiner 330 b, which is coupled to a second outputterminal 335 b.

FIG. 3B illustrates an RF signal routing system 300B according toanother example. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, RF signal routing system300B comprises input terminals 320, input stage processors 305,splitters 325, routing switches 310, output stage processors 315,combiners 330 and output terminals 335 coupled in that order.

In particular, in the example embodiment of FIG. 3B, a first inputterminal 320 a is coupled to a first input stage processor 305 a, and asecond input terminal 320 b is coupled to a second input stage processor305 b. The first input stage processor 305 a is coupled to a firstsplitter 325 a, and the second input stage processor 305 b is coupled toa second splitter 325 b. The first splitter 325 a is coupled to a firstoutput stage processor 315 a and a second output stage processor 315 bvia a first routing switch 310 a. The second splitter 325 b is coupledto a third output stage processor 315 c and a fourth output stageprocessor 315 d via a second routing switch 310 b. The first and secondoutput stage processors 315 a, 315 b are coupled to a first combiner 330a, which is coupled to a first output terminal 335 a. The third andfourth output stage processors 315 c, 315 d are coupled to a secondcombiner 330 b, which is coupled to a second output terminal 335 b.

The embodiments of FIGS. 3A and 3B are analogous to embodimentsillustrated in FIGS. 2C and 2D, but differ in that the sixth stage ofthe RF signal routing systems 300A and 300B include combiners 330instead of selectors 230. For simplicity and clarity of illustration,reference numbers used to illustrate the signal paths in FIGS. 2C and 2Dare repeated in FIGS. 3A and 3B to indicate corresponding or analogoussignal paths.

In the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 3A and 3B, the processed signals275, processed by the second stage processors 315, are provided tocombiners 330. Each combiner 330 is configured to receive multipleprocessed signals 275 and combine them to deliver an output signal 370.The combined signal 370 is then provided to an output terminal 335 fortransmission to other routers, antennas, or other devices.

In various embodiments, the combiners 330 are configured to combine thepower levels of the input signals. In such cases, the signals beingcombined are processed by the output stage processors 315 beforereaching the combiner 330. By processing the signals before combining,the second stage processors 315 can compensate for the processing by thecorresponding first stage processors 305 on a signal-by-signal basis.Once the signals are combined, the corresponding constituent signalslose their independent characteristics, making the second stageprocessing of the signals to compensate for the first stage processingdifficult and impractical. By processing the signals before they arecombined at combiners 330, the RF routing systems of FIGS. 3A and 3Ballow for the compensation of the first stage processing.

Reference is next made to FIG. 4A, which illustrates a RF signal routingsystem 400A according to an example embodiment. RF signal routing system400A consists of input terminals 420, input stage processors 405,splitters 425, routing switches 410, selectors 430, output stageprocessors 415 and output terminals 435 coupled in that order.

In particular, in the example embodiment of FIG. 4A, a first inputterminal 420 a is coupled to a first input stage processor 405 a, asecond input terminal 420 b is coupled to a second input stage processor405 b, a third input terminal 420 c is coupled to a third input stageprocessor 405 c, and a fourth input terminal 420 d is coupled to afourth input stage processor 405 d. The first input stage processor 405a is coupled to a first splitter 425 a, the second input stage processor405 b is coupled to a second splitter 425 b, the third input stageprocessor 405 c is coupled to a third splitter 425 c, and the fourthinput stage processor 405 d is coupled to a fourth splitter 425 d.

The first splitter 425 a is coupled to a first selector 430 a via afirst routing switch 410 a, the second splitter 425 b is coupled to asecond selector 430 b via a second routing switch 410 b, the thirdsplitter 425 c is coupled to a third selector 430 c via a third routingswitch 410 c, and the fourth splitter 425 d is coupled to a fourthselector 430 d via a fourth routing switch 410 d. The first selector 430a is coupled to a first output stage processor 415 a, the secondselector 430 b is coupled to a second output stage processor 415 b, thethird selector 430 c is coupled to a third output stage processor 415 c,and the fourth selector 430 d is coupled to a fourth output stageprocessor 415 d. The first output stage processor 415 a is coupled to afirst output terminal 435 a, the second output stage processor 415 b iscoupled to a second output terminal 435 b, the third output stageprocessor 415 c is coupled to a third output terminal 435 c, and thefourth output stage processor 415 d is coupled to a fourth outputterminal 435 d.

Reference is next made to FIG. 4B, which illustrates a RF signal routingsystem 400B according to an example embodiment. RF signal routing system400B consists of input terminals 420, input stage processors 405,splitters 425, routing switches 410, output stage processors 415,combiners 430 and output terminals 435 coupled in that order.

In particular, in the example embodiment of FIG. 4B, a first inputterminal 420 a is coupled to a first input stage processor 405 a, asecond input terminal 420 b is coupled to a second input stage processor405 b, a third input terminal 420 c is coupled to a third input stageprocessor 405 c, and a fourth input terminal 420 d is coupled to afourth input stage processor 405 d. The first input stage processor 405a is coupled to a first splitter 425 a, the second input stage processor405 b is coupled to a second splitter 425 b, the third input stageprocessor 405 c is coupled to a third splitter 425 c, and the fourthinput stage processor 405 d is coupled to a fourth splitter 425 d.

The first splitter 425 a is coupled to a first output stage processor415 a, a second output stage processor 415 b, a third output stageprocessor 415 c and a fourth output stage processor 415 d via a firstrouting switch 410. The second splitter 425 b is coupled to a fifthoutput stage processor 415 e, a sixth output stage processor 415 f, aseventh output stage processor 415 g and an eighth output stageprocessor 415 h via a second routing switch 410 b. The third splitter425 c is coupled to a ninth output stage processors 415 i, a tenthoutput stage processor 415 j, an eleventh output stage processor 415 k atwelfth output stage processor 415 l via a third routing switch 410 c.The fourth splitter 425 d is coupled to a thirteenth output stageprocessors 415 m, a fourteenth output stage processor 415 n, a fifteenthoutput stage processor 415 o and a sixteenth output stage processor 415p via a fourth routing switch 410 d.

The first to fourth output stage processors 415 a, 415 b, 415 c, 415 dare coupled to a first combiner 430 a, the fifth to eighth output stageprocessors 415 e, 415 f, 415 g, 415 h are coupled to a second combiner430 b, the ninth to twelfth output stage processors 415 i, 415 j, 415 k,415 l are coupled to a third combiner 430 c, and the thirteenth tosixteenth output stage processors 415 m, 415 n, 415 o, 415 p are coupledto a fourth combiner 430 d. The first combiner 430 a is coupled to afirst output terminal 435 a, the second combiner 430 b is coupled to asecond output terminal 435 b, the third combiner 430 c is coupled to athird output terminal 435 c, and the fourth combiner 430 d is coupled toa fourth output terminal 435 d.

The embodiments of FIGS. 4A and 4B are analogous to embodimentsillustrated in FIGS. 2B and 2D, respectively, with the embodiments ofFIGS. 4A and 4B illustrating larger size RF signal routing systems 400A,400B, compared to RF signal routing systems 200B, 200D.

Even though the various embodiments illustrated herein disclose RFsignal routing systems of small sizes or dimensions, such as 2×2 or 4×4,larger RF signal routing systems of larger sizes, such as 16×16, 256×256etc., can be designed using the teachings herein. Furthermore, eventhough various embodiments illustrated herein disclose symmetrical RFsignal routing systems, asymmetrical RF routing systems with an unevennumber of input terminals and output terminals can also be designedusing the teachings herein.

Reference is again made to FIGS. 4A and 4B to illustrate signal flowthrough the RF signal routing systems 400A and 400B. For simplicity andclarity of illustration, reference numbers used in FIG. 4A are repeatedin FIG. 4B to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

As illustrated, a first incoming signal 450 a is received at the inputterminal 420 a, and forwarded to an input stage processor 405 a. Inputstage processor 405 a is configured to adjust the power level of thefirst incoming signal 450 a. The power level of the first incomingsignal 450 a may be adjusted to a system power level provided by acontroller, such as the controller 120 of FIG. 1 . The adjusted signal460 a is forwarded to a splitter 425 a. Splitter 425 a is configured tosplit the adjusted signal 460 a into four output signals, i.e. a firstsplit signal 455 a, a second split signal 455 b, a third split signal455 c and a fourth split signal 455 d. The four split signals 455 a-455d share the same characteristics as the adjusted signal 460 a. Each ofthe four split signals 455 a-455 d are forwarded to a different one ofthe routing switches 410 a-410 d. In the illustrated embodiment, thefirst split signal 455 a is routed to a first selector 430 a via thefirst routing switch 410 a, the second split signal 455 b is routed to asecond selector 430 b via the second routing switch 410 b, the thirdsplit signal 455 c is routed to a third selector 430 c via the thirdrouting switch 410 c, and the fourth split signal 455 d is routed to afourth selector 430 d via the fourth routing switch 410 d.

The remaining signal flow of FIG. 4A is explained with respect to thefirst selector 430 a for ease of explanation. As illustrated, the firstselector 430 a is configured to receive routed signals from the routingswitches 410. In the illustrated example, the first selector 430 a isconfigured to receive a first routed signal 465 a, a second routedsignal 465 e, a third routed signal 465 i and a fourth routed signal 465m.

The first selector 430 a is then configured to select one of the fourrouted signals 465 a, 465 e, 465 i and 465 m, and provide a selectedsignal 470 a to the next stage. The first selector 430 a is configuredto select a signal based on the instructions form a controller, such asthe controller 120 of FIG. 1 . The selected signal 470 a is thenforwarded to the first output stage processor 415 a. The first outputstage processor 415 a is configured to process the selected signal 470 abased on a target power level signal provided by a controller, such ascontroller 120 of FIG. 1 .

In some embodiments, the target power level signal provided by thecontroller is configured to compensate for the processing carried out bythe first input stage processor 405 a. For example, if the first inputstage processor 405 a is configured to amplify or attenuate the powerlevel of the first incoming signal 450 a by a target level, the secondoutput processor 415 a is configured to compensate for the attenuationof the power level of the first incoming signal 450 a performed by thefirst input stage processor 405 a. In this case, the selected signal 470a corresponds to the first routed signal 465 a.

Likewise, in cases where the first selector 430 a selects a secondrouted signal 465 e, the first output stage processor 415 a isconfigured to compensate for the power level adjustment carried out bythe corresponding second input stage processor 405 b. Similarly, if thefirst selector 430 a selects a third routed signal 465 i, the firstoutput stage processor 415 a is configured to compensate for the powerlevel adjustment carried out by the corresponding third input stageprocessor 405 c, and if the first selector 430 a selects a fourth routedsignal 465 m, the first output stage processor 415 a is configured tocompensate for the power level adjustment carried out by thecorresponding fourth input stage processor 405 d.

The power level adjustment at the input stage processor 405 is targetedto amplify or attenuate the received signal to avoid signal distortion,such as clipping etc., as the signal traverses through the RF signalrouting system 400A. The corresponding output stage processor 415 isconfigured to compensate for the signal processing carried out at theinput stage processing stage as the signal exits the router.

In some other embodiments, the target power level signal provided by thecontroller is configured to not only compensate for the processingcarried out by the first input stage processor 405 a but alsoadditionally increase or decrease the power level of the selected signal470 a.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4B, which illustrates another example ofsignal flow. In the embodiment of FIG. 4B, each of the routed signals,including a first routed signal 465 a, a second routed signal 465 e, athird routed signal 465 i and a fourth routed signal 465 m are receivedby a first output stage processor 415 a, a second output stage processor415 b, a third output stage processor 415 c and a fourth output stageprocessor 415 d, respectively. The output stage processors 415 areconfigured to process the corresponding received routed signals based ona target power level provided by a controller, such as controller 120 ofFIG. 1 .

As discussed above, in some embodiments, the target power levelsprovided by the controller 120 to the corresponding output stageprocessors 415 are determined based on the processing carried out by thecorresponding input stage processors 405. Accordingly, in suchembodiments, the first output stage processor 415 a is configured tocompensate for the signal processing carried out by the first inputstage processor 405 a. Likewise, the second output stage processor 415 bis configured to compensate for the signal processing carried out by thesecond input stage processor 405 b, the third output stage processor 415c is configured to compensate for the signal processing carried out bythe third input stage processor 405 c, and the fourth output stageprocessor 415 d is configured to compensate for the signal processingcarried out by the fourth input stage processor 405 d.

In some other embodiments, the target power levels provided by thecontroller 120 to the corresponding output stage processors 415 areconfigured to not only compensate for the processing carried out by theinput stage processor 405 but also additionally increase or decrease thepower levels of the corresponding routed signals. In such embodiments,the routed signals received by the output stage processors 415 areprocessed to not only compensate for the processing carried out by thecorresponding input stage processors 405 but to additionally increase ordecrease their respective power levels, based on target power levelsprovided by a controller, such as the controller 120 of FIG. 1 . Forexample, the first routed signal 465 a is processed by the first outputstage processor 415 a to compensate for the processing carried out bythe first input stage processor 405 a and additionally increase ordecrease its respective power level based on a target power levelprovided by a controller.

Likewise, the second routed signal 465 e is processed by the secondoutput stage processor 415 b to compensate for the processing carriedout by the second input stage processor 405 b and additionally increaseor decrease its respective power level based on a target power levelprovided by a controller, the third routed signal 465 i is processed bythe third output stage processor 415 c to compensate for the processingcarried out by the third input stage processor 405 c and additionallyincrease or decrease its respective power level based on a target powerlevel provided by a controller, and the fourth routed signal 465 m isprocessed by the fourth output stage processor 415 d to compensate forthe processing carried out by the fourth input stage processor 405 b andadditionally increase or decrease its respective power level based on atarget power level provided by a controller.

The first output stage processor 415 a is configured to provide a firstprocessed signal 475 a, the second output stage processor 415 b isconfigured to provide a second processed signal 475 b, the third outputstage processor 415 c is configured to provide a third processed signal475 c and the fourth output stage processor 415 d is configured toprovide a fourth processed signal 475 d. The processed signals 475 a-475d are received by a first combiner 430 a, which is configured to combinethe received signals and generate an output signal 470 a. As mentionedabove, the embodiments including a combiner, such as combiner 430 ofFIG. 4B, require the output stage processors 415, and correspondingsignal processing to compensate for the first stage processing, at anearlier stage than the combiners 430. The output signal 470 a is thenforwarded to the first output terminal 435 a.

As mentioned above, in the various embodiments illustrated herein, thesecond stage processors, such as processors 215 of FIGS. 2A-2D,processors 315 of FIGS. 3A-3B, and processors 415 of FIGS. 4 a -4B, areconfigured to process the incoming signals in order to compensate forthe processing carried out by the input stage processors, such asprocessors 205 of FIGS. 2A-2D, processors 305 of FIGS. 3A-3B, andprocessors 405 of FIGS. 4A-4B. The second stage processors can befurther configured by a controller, such as controller 120 of FIG. 1 ,to additionally manipulate the compensated signals by amplifying,attenuating, or otherwise processing the signals, as may be desired bythe controller 120 and required by the application of the RF signalrouting system. For example, the second stage processor may beconfigured to not only compensate for the first stage processing carriedout by the corresponding first stage processor, but additionally add 10dB of power to the processed signal.

Reference is next made to FIG. 5A, which illustrates an RF signalrouting system 500A according to an example embodiment. In theillustrated embodiment, the RF signal routing system 500A is a universalRF fan-in and/or fan-out router. FIG. 5A illustrates a signal path forone input signal received at an input terminal 520. The entire RF signalrouting system will include a plurality of input terminals 520 toreceive a plurality of input signals. The input signals may be processedthrough various stages and maybe switched in a plurality of routingswitches and then output at a plurality of output terminals 535.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5A, the same architecture of RF signal routingsystem 500A can be used to implement a fan-in router, a fan-out routeror both. Fan-in routers are typically (but not always) used to routesignals with relatively high power levels, such as, for example, signalswith power levels within the range of −10 to +15 dBm. Likewise, fan-outrouters are typically (but not always) used to route signals withrelatively low power levels, such as, for example, signals with powerlevels within the range of −70 to −10 dBm. For a universal router thatcan work as both fan-in and fan-out routers, such as the RF signalrouting system 500A, the input signal power range of the router ispreferably extended without substantially compromising other RFperformance characteristics of the RF signal routing system 500A, suchas noise figure, inter-modulation, 1 dB compression point etc.

As illustrated in FIG. 5A, the RF signal routing system 500A comprises aplurality of input terminals 520, attenuators 580, amplifiers 585, inputstage processors 505, splitters 525, routing switches 510, output stageprocessors 515, multi-input processors 530 and output terminals 535coupled in that order. Only one signal path through RF signal routingsystem 500A is illustrated, although an RF signal routing systemaccording to this embodiment will typically include a plurality ofsignal paths, as is illustrated above in relation to RF signal routingsystems 200A, 300A and 400A. The system 500A is provided as an exampleand there can be other embodiments of the system 500A with differentcomponents or a different configuration of the components describedherein.

The attenuators 580 of the RF signal routing system 500A are coupled tothe input terminals 520 on one end and input stage processors 505 on theother end via a set of attenuator switches 582. When closed, attenuatorswitches 582 incorporate the attenuators 580 in the signal path of anincoming RF signal within the router 500A. When open, the attenuators580 are excluded from the signal path of an incoming RF signal withinthe router 500A. The attenuator switches 582 used with the attenuators580 are low insertion loss RF switches.

Likewise, the amplifiers 585 of the RF signal routing system 500A arecoupled to the input terminals 520 on one end and input stage processors505 on the other end via a set of amplifier switches 586. When closed,amplifier switches 586 incorporate the amplifiers 585 in the signal pathof an incoming RF signal within the router 500A. When open, theamplifiers 585 are excluded from the signal path of an incoming RFsignal within the router 500A. The amplifier switches 586 used with theamplifiers 585 are also low insertion loss RF switches.

As illustrated, a set of processor switches 592 are coupled between theinput terminals 520 and the input stage processors 505. When processorswitches 592 are closed, the attenuators 580 and amplifiers 585 areexcluded from the signal path of an incoming RF signal within the router500A.

At one time, only one of switches 582, 586 and 592 will be closed. Inother embodiments, the three switches may be replaced with a selectorswitch or other switching arrangements.

The various components of the RF signal routing system 500A, includingthe input terminals 520, attenuators 580, attenuator switches 582,amplifiers 585, amplifier switches 586, input stage processors 505,splitters 525, routing switches 510, output stage processors 515,multi-input processors 530 and output terminals 535, are coupled to acontroller 540. The controller 540 monitors the RF signals traversingthrough the RF signal routing system 500A and controls the operation ofthe various components of the RF signal routing system 500A.

In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 540 monitors the powerlevels of the incoming RF signals 550 and switches the attenuators 580and amplifiers 585 in and out of the signal path as required for inputsignals having different power levels.

The controller 540 also controls the attenuation levels of theattenuators 580, and amplifications levels of the amplifiers 585 basedon factors such as power levels of the incoming RF signals 550, desiredpower levels of outgoing RF signals 570 etc.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5A, when the power level of theincoming RF signal drops below a predefined value, the controller 540triggers the attenuator switches 582 and processor switches 592 to open,and the amplifier switches 586 to close. Accordingly, the incoming RFsignals received at the input terminals 520 are next routed to theamplifiers 585. In the various embodiments illustrated herein,amplifiers 585 are low noise amplifiers.

In some embodiments, the attenuators 580 are switched out of the signalpath of an incoming RF signal when the power level of the incoming RFsignal is within the range of −70 to −15 dBm.

Furthermore, when the power level of the incoming RF signal isrelatively high, for example in the range of +5 to +15 dBm, thecontroller 540 triggers the amplifier switches 586 and the processorswitches 592 to open, and the attenuator switches 582 to close.Accordingly, the incoming RF signals received at the input terminals 520are next routed to the attenuators 580.

In cases where the power level of the incoming RF signal is relativelymid-range, for example in the range of −15 to +5 dBm, the controller 540triggers the attenuator switches 582 and the amplifier switches 586 toopen, and the processor switches 592 to close. Accordingly, the incomingRF signals received at the input terminals 520 are next routed to theinput stage processors 505.

The power levels in which attenuators 580 and amplifiers 585 areswitched into the signal path of an input signal are only examples andin any particular embodiment of an RF signal routing system, inputsignals in different power ranges may be amplified, attenuated or routedthrough to the next stage.

Reference is next made to FIG. 5B, which illustrates an RF signalrouting system 500B according to an example embodiment. The architectureof RF signal routing system 500B is similar to the architecture of RFsignal routing system 500A, with the exception of the couplingsinvolving attenuators 580 and amplifiers 585.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5B, the attenuators 580 arecoupled between the input terminals 520 on one end and amplifiers 585 onthe other end via attenuator switches 582. The processor switches 592are situated in parallel with the attenuator switches 582, and theamplifiers 585 are situated in series to the parallel combination ofattenuators 580 and processor switches 592.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5B, when the power level of theincoming RF signal drops below a predefined value, the controller 540triggers the attenuator switches 582 to open, and the processor switches592 to close. Accordingly, the incoming RF signals received at the inputterminals 520 are routed to the amplifiers 585 without first passingthrough attenuators 580. In the various embodiments illustrated herein,amplifiers 585 are low noise amplifiers.

Furthermore, when the power level of the incoming RF signal is above thepredefined value and thus is relatively high, for example in the rangeof +5 to +15 dBm, the controller 540 triggers the processor switches 592to open, and the attenuator switches 582 to close. Accordingly, theincoming RF signals received at the input terminals 520 are next routedto the attenuators 580 via the attenuator switches 582. The attenuatedRF signals are next routed to the amplifiers 585, and subsequently toinput stage processors 505, and so on as illustrated in system 500B.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5B, the attenuators 580 andattenuator switches 582 can result in an insertion loss. In some cases,the insertion loss may be a 2 dB insertion loss. The subsequent stage ofamplification provided by amplifiers 585 compensates for the insertionloss by amplifying the signal by a corresponding value. In addition,amplifiers 585 may be configured by controller 540 to provide additionalamplification to allow the input signal to be efficiently processedwithin the RF signal routing system or to provide an output signal witha desired power level, or both.

Reference is next made to FIG. 6 , which illustrates an RF signalrouting system 600 according to an example embodiment. The embodiment ofFIG. 6 is analogous to embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4B, with theexception of a pre-processing circuit disclosed in FIG. 6 .

In particular, the RF signal routing system 600 consists of apre-processing circuit including a series combination of attenuatorswitches 682 and attenuators 680, processor switches 692 in parallelwith the series combination of attenuators 680 and attenuator switches682, and amplifiers 685 in series with the parallel combination ofprocessor switches 692 with series combination of attenuators 680 andattenuator switches 682. RF signal routing system 600 further comprisesinput terminals 620 before the pre-processing circuit, where the inputterminals 620 are analogous to input terminals 420 of FIG. 4B.

RF signal routing system 600 further comprises one or more input signalprocessors 605 analogous to input signal processors 405 of FIG. 4B,splitters 625 analogous to splitters 425 of FIG. 4B, routing switches610 analogous to routing switches 410 of FIG. 4B and output stageprocessors 615 analogous to output stage processors 415 of FIG. 4B.

In addition, the RF signal routing system 600 further comprisesmulti-input processors 630, which operates as both combiners, analogousto combiners 430 of FIG. 4B, and selectors, analogous to selectors 430of FIG. 4A. The RF signal routing system 600 further comprises outputterminals 635, analogous to output terminals 435 of FIG. 4B.

As illustrated, the RF signal routing system 600 comprises the inputterminals 620, pre-processing circuit comprising the attenuators 680,amplifiers 685, attenuator switches 682 and processor switches 692,input stage processors 605, splitters 625, routing switches 610, outputstage processors 615, multi-input processors 630 and output terminals635 coupled in that order. The various elements of the RF signal routingsystem 600 are coupled to a controller 640.

As illustrated, in the first-level of the RF signal routing system 600of FIG. 6 , a first input terminal 620 a is coupled to a parallelcombination of a first processor switch 692 a with a series combinationof a first attenuator switch 682 and a first attenuator 680 a. Thisparallel combination is coupled in series to a first amplifier 685 a.The first amplifier 685 a is coupled to one or more input stageprocessors 605.

As illustrated, the first amplifier 685 a is coupled to one or morefirst-level input stage processors 605 a, including a first first-levelinput stage processor 605 a 1 coupled to another input stage processor605 an. In some cases, there may be two or more first-level input stageprocessors.

Next, the first-level input stage processors are coupled to a firstsplitter 625 a. The first splitter 625 a is coupled to a first routingswitch 610 a. In the illustrated embodiment, each routing switch 610 ais coupled to a plurality of output stage processors 615. For instance,the first routing switch 610 a is coupled to a first first-level outputstage processor 615 a 1, a first second-level output stage processor 615b 1, a first third-level output stage processor 615 c 1 and a firstfourth-level output stage processor 615 d 1.

In the illustrated embodiment, the next stage involves the output stageprocessors 615. As illustrated, in the first-level, the firstfirst-level output stage processor 615 a 1 is coupled to the firstrouting switch 610 a. Likewise, a second first-level output stageprocessor 615 a 2 is coupled to a second routing switch 610 b, a thirdfirst-level output stage processor 615 a 3 is coupled to a third routingswitch 610 c and a fourth first-level output stage processor 615 a 4 iscoupled to a fourth routing switch 610 d.

The first, second, third and fourth first-level output stage processors615 a 1, 615 a 2, 615 a 3 and 615 a 4 are coupled to a first multi-inputprocessor 630 a, which is coupled to a first output terminal 635 a. Insome cases, the first multi-input processor 630 a is configured tooperate as a selector, where the first multi-input processor 630 aselects one of the input signals received from the first, second, thirdand fourth first-level output stage processors 615 a 1, 615 a 2, 615 a 3and 615 a 4. The selected RF signal is then output at the correspondingfirst output terminal 635 a.

In some other cases, the first multi-input processor 630 a is configuredto operate as a combiner, where the first multi-input processor 630 acombines the input signals received from the first, second, third andfourth first-level output stage processors 615 a 1, 615 a 2, 615 a 3 and615 a 4. The combined RF signal is then output at the correspondingfirst output terminal 635 a.

As further illustrated in FIG. 6 , the second-level includes a secondinput terminal 620 b coupled in series to a parallel combination of asecond processor switch 692 b with a second attenuator 680 b and asecond attenuator switch 682 b. This parallel combination is coupled inseries to a second amplifier 685 b, which is coupled to one or moresecond-level input stage processors 605 b. The second-level input stageprocessors 605 b are coupled to a second splitter 625 b, which iscoupled to a second routing switch 610 b.

The second routing switch 610 b is coupled to a plurality of outputstage processors 615. In the illustrated embodiment, the second routingswitch 610 b is coupled to a second first-level output stage processor615 a 2, a second second-level output stage processor 615 b 2, a secondthird-level output stage processor 615 c 2 and a second fourth-leveloutput stage processor 615 d 2. The second-level output stage processorsare coupled to a second multi-input processor 630 b, which is coupled toa second output terminal 635 b. As discussed above, the secondmulti-input processor 630 b can be configured to be a selector or acombiner by the controller 640.

Next, the third-level includes a third input terminal 620 c coupled inseries to a parallel combination of a third processor switch 692 c witha third attenuator 680 c and a third attenuator switch 682 c. Thisparallel combination is coupled in series to a third amplifier 685 c,which is coupled to one or more third-level input stage processors 605c. The third-level input stage processors 605 c are coupled to a thirdsplitter 625 c, which is coupled to a third routing switch 610 c.

The third routing switch 610 c is coupled to a plurality of output stageprocessors 615. In the illustrated embodiment, the third routing switch610 c is coupled to a third first-level output stage processor 615 a 3,a third second-level output stage processor 615 b 3, a third third-leveloutput stage processor 615 c 3 and a third fourth-level output stageprocessor 615 d 3. The third-level output stage processors are coupledto a third multi-input processor 630 c, which is coupled to a thirdoutput terminal 635 c. As discussed above, the third multi-inputprocessor 630 c can be configured to be a selector or a combiner by thecontroller 640.

As further illustrated in FIG. 6 , the fourth-level includes a fourthinput terminal 620 d coupled in series to a parallel combination of afourth processor switch 692 d with a fourth attenuator 680 d and afourth attenuator switch 682 d. This parallel combination is coupled inseries to a fourth amplifier 685 d, which is coupled to one or morefourth-level input stage processors 605 d. The fourth-level input stageprocessors 605 d are coupled to a fourth splitter 625 d, which iscoupled to a fourth routing switch 610 d.

The fourth routing switch 610 d is coupled to a plurality of outputstage processors 615. In the illustrated embodiment, the fourth routingswitch 610 d is coupled to a fourth first-level output stage processor615 a 4, a fourth second-level output stage processor 615 b 4, a fourththird-level output stage processor 615 c 4 and a fourth fourth-leveloutput stage processor 615 d 4. The fourth-level output stage processorsare coupled to a fourth multi-input processor 630 d, which is coupled toa fourth output terminal 635 d. As discussed above, the fourthmulti-input processor 630 d can be configured to be a selector or acombiner by the controller 640.

In some cases, the RF signal routing system 600 includes the same numberof input stage processors 605 at each level. In some other cases,different levels of the RF signal routing system 600 include differentnumber of input stage processors 605.

In the embodiment of FIG. 6 , controller 640 is configured to controlthe operation of the various elements of the RF signal routing system600. In addition to controlling the signal positions of the attenuatorswitches 682 and the processor switches 692, controller 640 is alsoconfigured to control the gain levels of the attenuators 680, amplifier685, input stage processors 605 and output stage processors 615.Controller 640 is further configured to control the operation of thesplitters 625, multi-input processors 630 and routing switches 610.

In various embodiments disclosed herein, the controller 640 isconfigured to operate the pre-processing circuit of the RF signalrouting system 600 based on the power levels of the incoming RF signal.For example, the controller 640 is configured to switch out theattenuators 580 from the signal path of an incoming RF signal when thepower level of the incoming RF signal is within a low power signalrange. The low power signal range can include a power level range ofabout −70 to +5 dBm. When the attenuators 580 are switched out of thesignal path, the incoming RF signal is routed directly to the amplifiers685, and subsequently to the one or more input stage processors 605.

Furthermore, the controller 640 is configured to switch in theattenuators 680 in the signal path of an incoming RF signal when thepower level of the incoming RF signal is within a high power signalrange. The high power signal range can include a power level range ofabout +5 to +15 dBm, In this embodiments, the incoming RF signal isrouted to the attenuators 580 followed by the amplifiers 685. Theincoming RF signal is next routed to the one or more input stageprocessors 605. The operation of the RF signal routing system 600 afterthe pre-processing circuit is analogous to the router operationdiscussed above with reference to FIG. 4B.

Although the pre-processing circuit of FIG. 6 is illustrated to beanalogous to the pre-processing circuit of RF signal routing system 500Bdisclosed in FIG. 5B, in other embodiments, the pre-processing circuitillustrated in the RF signal routing system 500A of FIG. 5A can be usedas the pre-processing circuit of FIG. 6 for some or all of the incomingRF signals.

Numerous specific details are set forth herein in order to provide athorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments described herein.However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the artthat these embodiments may be practiced without these specific details.In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components havenot been described in detail so as not to obscure the description of theembodiments. Furthermore, this description is not to be considered aslimiting the scope of these embodiments in any way, but rather as merelydescribing the implementation of these various embodiments.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A radio frequency (RF) router comprising: acontroller; a plurality of RF input terminals, wherein each RF inputterminal is configured to receive an incoming RF signal; an inputprocessor system coupled to the plurality of RF input terminals and thecontroller, the input processor system being configured to apply a powerlevel adjustment to a pre-processed RF signal corresponding to theincoming RF signal based on an adjust control signal from the controllerto generate a processed input RF signal; a routing system comprising aplurality of switch matrices coupled to the controller and each inputprocessor system, the plurality of switch matrices being configured toroute a plurality of intermediate RF signals; and an output processorsystem coupled to the controller and the routing system, the outputprocessor system being configured to receive an output RF signal, and toadjust a power level of the output RF signal to compensate for the powerlevel adjustment applied at an associated at least one input processorsystem based on a compensate control signal from the controller togenerate a processed output RF signal.
 2. The RF router of claim 1,wherein the input processor system comprises: an attenuator forattenuating a power level of the incoming RF signal; and an amplifierfor amplifying a power level of the incoming RF signal, the amplifierbeing parallel to the attenuator, wherein: if the power level of theincoming RF signal is within a low power level range, the amplifierprocesses the incoming RF signal to generate the pre-processed RF signalbased on the adjust control signal from the controller, and if the powerlevel of the incoming RF signal is within a high power level range, theattenuator processes the incoming RF signal to generate thepre-processed RF signal based on the adjust control signal from thecontroller.
 3. The RF router of claim 1, wherein the input processorsystem comprises: an attenuator for attenuating a power level of theincoming RF signal; and an amplifier for amplifying a power level of theincoming RF signal, the amplifier being in series with a circuitcomprising the attenuator, wherein: if the power level of the incomingRF signal is within a low power level range, the amplifier processes theincoming RF signal to generate the pre-processed RF signal based on theadjust control signal from the controller, and if the power level of theincoming RF signal is within a high power level range, the attenuatorprocesses the incoming RF signal to generate a corresponding attenuatedRF signal, and subsequently the amplifier processes the attenuated RFsignal to generate the pre-processed RF signal based on the adjustcontrol signal from the controller.
 4. The RF router of claim 1, furthercomprising: a splitter coupled to the input stage processor system, thesplitter being coupled between a corresponding input stage processorsystem and at least two switch matrices, and configured to split thecorresponding processed input RF signal into two or more intermediate RFsignals.
 5. The RF router of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality ofcombiners coupled between the plurality of output processor systems anda plurality of RF output terminals, each combiner being configured tocombine two or more processed output RF signals to generate an outgoingRF signal.
 6. The RF router of claim 1, further comprising: a pluralityof selectors coupled between the plurality of output processor systemsand a plurality of RF output terminals, each selector being configuredto select a processed output RF signal to generate an outgoing RFsignal.
 7. The RF router of claim 1, wherein each input processor systemis configured to adjust the power level of the correspondingpre-processed RF signal by amplifying the pre-processed RF signal to asystem power level.
 8. The RF router of claim 7, wherein each outputprocessor system is configured to amplify the output RF signal to anoutput power level, wherein the amplification of the output RF signalcompensates for the amplification of the pre-processed RF signal.
 9. TheRF router of claim 1, wherein the compensate control signal is partiallybased on the adjust control signal.
 10. The RF router of claim 9,wherein the power level adjustment based on the compensate controlsignal is inverse of the power level adjustment based on the adjustcontrol signal.
 11. A method of routing radio frequency (RF) signalsusing a RF router, the method comprising: receiving an incoming RFsignal at an RF input terminal; applying, at an input processor systemcoupled to the RF input terminal, a power level adjustment to apre-processed RF signal corresponding to the incoming RF signal based onan adjust control signal to generate a processed input RF signal, theadjust control signal being received from a controller; routing, using arouting system coupled to the input processor system, an intermediate RFsignal corresponding to the processed input RF signal based on a routecontrol signal from the controller, the routing system comprising aplurality of switch matrices; and adjusting, at an output processorsystem coupled to the plurality of switch matrices, a power level of anoutput RF signal to compensate for the power level adjustment applied atan associated at least one input processor system based on a compensatecontrol signal from the controller to generate a processed output RFsignal.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: generating,using a splitter, two or more intermediate RF signals from the processedinput RF signal, wherein the splitter is coupled between thecorresponding input processor system generating the processed input RFsignal and at least two switch matrices.
 13. The method of claim 11,further comprising: generating, using a splitter, two or more input RFsignals from the incoming RF signal received at the corresponding RFinput terminal, wherein the splitter is coupled between thecorresponding RF input terminal and at least two input processorsystems.
 14. The method of claim 11, further comprising: combining,using a combiner, two or more processed output RF signals to generate anoutgoing RF signal, wherein the combiner is coupled between one or moreoutput processor systems and a plurality of RF output terminals.
 15. Themethod of claim 11, further comprising: selecting, using a selector, aprocessed output RF signal to generate an outgoing RF signal, whereinthe selector is coupled between one or more output processor systems anda plurality of RF output terminals.
 16. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising: selecting, using a selector, an intermediate RF signal togenerate an output RF signal, wherein the selector is coupled betweenthe routing system and one or more output processor systems.
 17. Themethod of claim 11, wherein each input processor system is configured toadjust the power level of the corresponding pre-processed RF signal byamplifying the pre-processed RF signal to a system power level.
 18. Themethod of claim 17, wherein each output processor system is configuredto amplify the output RF signal to an output power level, wherein theamplification of the output RF signal compensates for the amplificationof the pre-processed RF signal.
 19. The method of claim 11, wherein thecompensate control signal is partially based on the adjust controlsignal.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the power level adjustmentbased on the compensate control signal is inverse of the power leveladjustment based on the adjust control signal.